Tom McRae â€˜King Of Cardsâ€™ album out on V2 on May 14th

Tom McRae – an artist rightfully recognised for his intelligent song craft and remarkable vocals – returns with his eagerly awaited fourth studio LP King of Cards on V2 Records, May 14th.A download only EP Set The Story Straight precedes the album on 16th April, and a single Bright Lights follows on 11th June.

Written by Tom McRae and produced by Sean Genockey – whose previous credits include Manic Street Preachers, Kula Shaker, Suede -King Of Cards is an album centred round escape, identity and disappearance. His most accessible work to date, its a stellar collection of instantaneous melodies and heartfelt lyrics, all driven by Toms unique voice.

Most of my records are a reaction to the one before, and I was in a pretty dark place when I wrote the last LP, Tom says. This time I was spending more time in New York, just getting some distance from everything Id done previously¦ and letting the songs come out as they happened.

All the songs were written in a 5 month period at the start of last year. I wanted to write in a different way to usual, just to see if I could make something more upbeat, energetic and eclectic. For me every record has to be slightly different, even if it means leaving your comfort zone and trying something unfamiliar.

Influenced by contemporaries that include Nick Drake, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Jeff Buckley, album highlights include the thundering piano keys of Bright Lights (the LPs first single, released June 11th), the Dylan-esque heartbreak of Deliver Me and The Ballad Of Amelia Earhart – a vibrant, lyrical masterstroke.

His eponymous first album was released in 2000 and – among glowing reviews – was nominated for both the 2001 Mercury Music Prize and the 2001 BRIT Award for Best Newcomer. ‘Just Like Blood’ followed in 2003 before the equally lauded ‘All Maps Welcome’, which was recorded and released in 2005.Tom McRae performed two triumphant fan-shows at Londons Cargo earlier this year. Forthcoming dates are listed below.

Live, Tom McRae will play as a trio, featuring long-term band members Oli Kraus on cello and Olli Cunningham on keyboards.Recording is like trying unsuccessfully to pin a butterfly to cardboard. Playing live is like helping it soar into the rafters.

The album King Of Cards is released on V2 Records, May 14th.The single Bright Lights follows on June 11th.